This One-Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It combines all the delightful flavors of lasagna with the cozy vibe of a soup. Plus, it’s super easy to clean up!
You just throw everything in one pot—no need to boil pasta separately! I love how cheesy and hearty it is; perfect for any chilly night when you’re craving comfort food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor to the soup. You can opt for mild or spicy based on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Pasta: Mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles are traditional here, but you can easily swap them with other short pastas like farfalle, rotini, or penne if needed. Just adjust the cooking time as per the pasta you select!
Cheese: Ricotta gives a creamy texture while Parmesan and mozzarella add depth. If you’ve got dietary restrictions, vegan ricotta and cheese substitutes can work wonderfully. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Chicken Broth: If you’re vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead; it still gives an excellent flavor base for the soup.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta in Soup?
Cooking pasta directly in the soup adds flavor, but it may seem tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Keep the heat on medium-low so the pasta cooks without overboiling or getting mushy.
- Check a minute or two before the recommended cooking time on the pasta packaging. You’ll want it al dente since it will continue to cook slightly off the heat.
Once cooked, mix in the cheeses while the soup is warm to get that lovely creamy texture. Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces uncooked mafaldine pasta or broken lasagna noodles (or substitute with other short pasta like farfalle)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful One-Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking. In total, you’re looking at approximately 35 minutes from start to finish—a quick and satisfying meal that you’ll love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it’s softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Build the Base:
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like a kick! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil to combine all the flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Now, add the uncooked pasta straight into the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. This will take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
5. Make It Cheesy:
Once the pasta has reached the perfect tender state, lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix until it’s all melted and combined, creating a beautifully creamy and cheesy texture.
6. Final Adjustments:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. It’s delicious on its own or paired with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
This recipe results in a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that captures all the delicious elements of classic lasagna in an easy, one-pot dish. Enjoy your cozy bowl of cheesy lasagna soup!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well with some herbs and spices to replicate the flavors of Italian sausage, or try adding some Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Increase the amount of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added texture and flavor, and ensure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
What Can I Serve With Lasagna Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but consider pairing it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
